"You probably learn more from losing games than you do from winning, so I guess the past year has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride in regards to results", Smith said in Mumbai. "They have some match-winners in the team and I think Sourav is a bit optimistic. anything can happen", Waugh was quoted as saying in Hindustan Times.

"So I'm happy with where everything is at the moment".

"[Mohammad] Shami, Ishant [Sharma] and Umesh [Yadav], we all know". The senior players need to take that challenge to do well in India. "Our individuals will play the best cricket they know". "So I've chose to stay back in my crease a little bit", he said, with a smile. And when you get a sniff, really go for it. I've learnt a fair bit along the way as captain.

"You don't want people to change their natural games", he said. So you have to have that mindset to look to score, but ultimately it's your defence that helps you out when you're in trouble.

While the bulk of the spoils just about went to the spinners, who were definitely the wreckers-in-chief once again, it was India's unit of fast-bowlers who led the bowling attack at key moments. The more the guys understand how to pick up wickets and how to set batsmen up, it is going to be really good for us.

"Ashwin is a world class cricketer". All have the benefit of knowledge gained on previous trips to Asia, and Starc's destructive efforts in Sri Lanka, where he lacked support, have not been forgotten. I think he is the player we have to overcome. I need to do that first, for the guys to show that energy.

On coming down to wicket against spinners: I did advance once at the start of the summer and got out LBW. So, hopefully we can formulate some game plans to get on top of them.

"I think reverse-swing is going to be incredibly important in this series as well". Back in 2015, when Australia tried to sledge him in their own backyard, the strategy backfired on them as it only brought the best out of the Indian captain. Smith fronted the media after landing in Mumbai on Tuesday (February 14) and said the players won't hold back from engaging in a verbal battle. He is someone who has redefined the role of opening batting.